Effective criticism (ii)

“If you ignore criticism, you will end in poverty and disgrace; if you accept correction, you will be honored.” Proverbs 13:18

Last time we began looking at effective criticism. We saw that as we journey through life we will need to be corrected and we will have to correct others. Correction can be positive and it can be negative. It can have positive results and also have negative consequences.

We must be humble to receive constructive criticism and be bold, tactful and wise in constructively criticising others.

“If you love learning, you love the discipline that goes with it –  how shortsighted to refuse correction!” Proverbs 12.1 Message

“Hear counsel, receive instruction, and accept correction, that you may be wise in the time to come.” Proverbs 19.20

“If you ignore criticism, you will end in poverty and disgrace; if you accept correction, you will be honored.” Proverbs 13.18 NLT

Here are a few tips to help us criticise effectively.

Avoid destructive criticism. “Destructive criticism is intended as a personal attack, formatted to harm someone’s self-esteem, public, not specific or actionable, hypercritical or needlessly nit-picky” Julia Martins

Criticise in private as much as possible. Public criticism erodes people’s self-esteem and therefore can be counterproductive. However, in certain emergency or very critical situations criticism might have to be done in public.

Think it through before you criticise. Get all the facts and never criticize based on rumours or speculation. “Intelligent people think before they speak; what they say is then more persuasive.” Proverbs 16.13 GNT

Use appropriate words. “Rash language cuts and maims, but there is healing in the words of the wise.” Proverbs 12.18 Message

“Maintain a friendly tone and body language. Ultimately, you’re providing feedback in order to help a person improve. Even if the feedback is hard to give, make sure you’re keeping your body language positive and your tone light. You might not feel comfortable giving constructive criticism at first, so consider practicing what you’re going to say and how you’re going to say it. Pay particular attention to your tone, and make sure you aren’t frowning, glaring, or crossing your arms. Even if you aren’t actually frustrated, these signals can raise the person’s defensiveness and lead to an unproductive feedback session.” Julia Martins

Always give the person a fair hearing. Listen before passing judgement.   Give room for the person to ask questions or to clarify things. Never criticize without hearing the person out.

“He who answers a matter before he hears the facts–it is folly and shame to him.” Proverbs 18.13 Ampl

The whole essence of constructive criticism is to help the person being criticized to be better so always recommend practical ways for the person to improve and get better. Don’t just identify the problem help the person to see the solution and how to avoid repeating the mistake or error.

Criticism need not be a problem if we do it right and also receive it humbly.

CONCLUDED.

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